The United Way of Freeborn County is in the middle of its 2015 campaign to raise $598,000.

So far this year, the organization has raised about $65,000, with a little more than two months to go in the campaign, said Executive Director Ann Austin.

She said she and others have visited many business leaders about the campaign and have worked to develop good strategies with them.

They sent out the remainder of packets to businesses this week, along with other mailers.

Money raised in the campaign this year will go to support 26 programs from 13 agencies. The goal is determined by the amount of funding requested by the partner agencies.

The United Way supports the following agencies:

Adult Basic Education

Albert Lea Family Y

The Arc of Freeborn County

Catholic Charities

Cedar Valley Services

The Children’s Center

Crime Victims Crisis Center

Crisis Response Team

Healthy Families

Parenting Resource Center

Semcac Community Action

Senior Resources of Freeborn County

Albert Lea Salvation Army

In addition to these agencies, the United Way has a basic needs funds focused on disaster response and other emergency needs not covered by local programs.

The organization also supports collaborations that focus on domestic violence, early childhood development, food access for seniors, mental health and quality out of school time.

Austin said out of every dollar donated, 89 cents goes toward local programs.

“We do a lot of work with programs, too,” she said. “We help keep other programs’ overhead costs low.”

She said the United Way also encourages collaborations with other agencies and programs.

“Our focus is on people and how we can address the problems here,” she said.

Upcoming United Way of Freeborn County events include the Haunted Walk from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Brookside boat launch.  Cost is $5 per person. People interested in volunteering for the event will go through training with actor Dylan Kaercher.

The Fountain Warehouse Liquor wine tasting will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. Cost is $20 per person. Photographers will showcase their photos from a recent photo walk, and there will be hors d’oeuvres, live music and an auction.